Fire Prevention Division – Worcester, MA

About Fire Prevention Division

The Worcester Fire Department – Fire Prevention Division is the regulatory arm of the city’s fire services, dedicated to reducing the risk of fire and protecting public safety through code enforcement and education. Located at 25 Meade Street (separate from the Grove Street Headquarters), this office handles all administrative aspects of fire safety, including permitting, plan reviews, and technical inspections for both residential and commercial properties.

Permitting and Licensing

The division processes a wide variety of mandatory permits required by state law and city ordinance. Residents and business owners visit this office to obtain:

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Certificates: Mandatory inspections for the resale of any residential property (26F inspections).
• Flammable Storage Permits: Licensing for the storage of combustible materials, propane tanks, and hazardous chemicals.
• Commercial Inspections: Annual safety checks for restaurants, nightclubs, and other assembly occupancies (including liquor license 304 inspections).
• Hot Works Permits: Authorization for cutting, welding, and other spark-producing construction activities.

Plan Review and Compliance

The Fire Prevention team works closely with the Building Department to review construction plans for new developments. They ensure that all new structures are equipped with adequate fire alarm systems, sprinklers, and emergency access routes before a certificate of occupancy is issued. The office also investigates fire code violations reported by the public.